Governor's Cup

A lot of activity here at the Warehouse. Storm clouds clustering overhead and Sox fans assembling underneath. We're definitely under siege.

I'm hoping the clouds are more contained than the Sox fans. Tonight is the start of Governor's Cup, and while you can postpone a baseball game for inclimate weather, I don't know if it's ever happened to this annual sailboat classic.

Governor's Cup is the annual race between Maryland's two Capital Cities -- Annapolis, current hub of government (sorry, Baltimore) and St. Mary's City, the original colonial capital. The Governor's Cup is unusual in that the 70 mile race takes place overnight. That can be particularly dicey in the Chesapeake where depths are tricky and you never know where crab pots have been abandoned. Throw in a summer squall, and Dark and Stormy becomes more than the beverage of choice.

Hopefully, the clouds will stay where they are and spare the fleet gathering at Thomas Point Light in a few hours. I'd like to go to St. Mary's tomorrow to experience the race finish. I've been told it's a real gas, but skewered towards the younger race crowd. St. Mary's College is one of the top rated schools for racing, so they are always well represented at this event, as is the Naval Academy, who have their own reputation on the seas.

There are sure to be old salts there as well, but I'm trying to convince Ashley to go since this is more her demographic than mine. There is one veteran who is sure to be in attendance -- Jim Muldoon of Annapolis. His "Donneybrook" is always a top contender, and the sailing center at SMC is named for him.

Competitive, as well as recreational, sailing is huge in Maryland. No matter how you trim your sails, the Governor's Cup has appeal for its celebration of the sport and its heritage. If you happen to be in Southern Maryland tomorrow, but sure to go by. You can read more about the race here:

http://www.smcm.edu/govcup/